This year's NFL draft doesn't boast a lot of elite players

Each NFL draft takes on its own personality. Some are quarterback driven, others top-loaded with talent and then there’s this year’s version which features depth more than glitz.

NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said he wouldn’t want a top 10 pick this year.

“I think the fifth pick in the draft and the 25th pick in this draft are very similar,’’ Mayock said in a conference call this week.

Well, like it or not, the Detroit Lions will draft fifth overall.

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“I think a lot of teams are going to look to move down, but I’m not sure there are a lot of teams looking to go come up,’’ Mayock said. “I think most of the value in this draft is later.’’

Of course general manager Martin Mayhew always says he’s looking for the best available athlete. Certainly he’s proven that in recent years.

However, clearly the Lions need defensive help and could get it with that top pick.

Here’s a look at five defensive prospects who the Lions could examine closely as possible first-round picks in the NFL Scouting Combine starting this weekend in Indianapolis.

1. Jarvis Jones, outside linebacker (6-foot-3, 241 pounds) from Georgia. Many draft experts including ESPN’s Mel Kiper and the NFL Network’s Gil Brandt have the Lions selecting Jones, a pass-rush specialist, in the first round.

“Now that’s a good football player. Jarvis Jones is playing in the 4-3, which is what Detroit plays as an outside backer,’’ Mayock said. “He is an impact, explosive football player and he’s ready to play now.’’

Kiper sees him playing a role similar to that of Von Miller with the Broncos who had 30 sacks in his first two NFL seasons.

The issue is Jones’ neck. He started college at USC but they wouldn’t let him back on the field after a neck injury so he transferred to Georgia.

“Now he had some medical issues, potential stenosis in his back. If he checks out medically, he’s a top 10 player, and hopefully an impact player. So he’s a guy that could make a whole lot of sense in Detroit,’’ Mayock said.

Obviously interested teams will be zeroing in on this medical issue.

2. Dion Jordan, outside linebacker (6-foot-7, 243 pounds) from Oregon. Again, Jordan is considered a possibility for the Lions, although not all experts agree. He could be more of a project and the Lions need immediate help. Jordan could be a reach at No. 5.

“I kind of like Dion Jordan who I think is two years away from being an Aldon Smith-type player. He’s only about 240 pounds, but he’s 6-foot-7,’’ Mayock said. “He’s got frightening athletic skills, and he’s a year away. He would be a situational pass-rusher year one, and if he puts 20 pounds on, I think he’s going to be a perennial All-Pro. I really like the kid. But, again, that’s a little bit of a risk-reward. You’re betting on this kid two years from now.’’

In his latest mock draft, Kiper has Jordan going ninth to the New York Jets, saying: “Jordan is light, but he has long arms, great athleticism and I think can be a guy they don’t need to shuttle in and out depending on downs and matchups. He has star potential, and the pass rush gets some help.’’

3. Dee Milliner, cornerback (6-foot-1, 199 pounds) from Alabama. Without question he’s the top corner in the draft, there’s quite a fall-off once he’s gone. Trouble is, he could go to the Eagles with the fourth pick before the Lions have a chance to nab him with the fifth overall pick.

Or, maybe not.

“I happen to think No. 4 is a little high for Dee Milliner. I really like him. I think he’s a heck of a football player and I think he’d be safe. But I don’t think he’s that explosive 4.35 kind of 40 (yard dash) guy,’’ Mayock said. “If (the Eagles) took him, I’d be OK with that because he’s a solid football player, but I think it’s a little high for him.’’

The Combine will be critical for Milliner particularly his speed in the 40.

“Dee Milliner for me is a guy that if he runs fast, he can become a top 10 guy. And most people think he already is. I don’t,’’ Mayock said. “I love him as a player, love him on tape. I think he’s more like the 20th pick in the draft, if I had to put a number on him. However, if he runs sub-4.5, I think he’s going to be a top 10 pick.’’

“(The Lions) need more defensive ends, and that’s fine,’’ Mayock said. “There are going to be a lot of people that think Damontre Moore is that guy, and Damontre Moore has a lot of talent and might be one of those guys.’’

5. Bjoern Werner, defensive end (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) from Florida State. He played left end in Florida State’s 4-3 defense and, according to Silva, has drawn comparisons to St. Louis Rams left end Chris Long.

“(Werner) has great awareness, both as a pass-rusher and as a guy who defends the pass with his hands in the air. There’s a little J.J. Watt in that trait. Werner finds a way to disrupt,’’ Kiper said in ranking him 12th on his big board — his third-best defensive end behind Damontre Moore and Barkevious Mingo (who is projected by some as a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.)